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Crack bridging processes in toughened ceramics

Conference ·

The fracture toughness of ceramics can be improved by the incorporation of a variety brittle discontinuous reinforcing phases. Observations of crack paths in these systems indicate that these reinforcing phases bridge the crack in the region behind crack tip. Recent developments in toughening models based on crack bridging processes in such systems are discussed and compared to the experimentally observed toughening responses with second phase whisker and self (matrix grain) reinforcement. The bridging model then can be used to optimize the toughening effects based modification of pertinent material characteristics (e.g., microstructure and physical properties). 25 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6948624
Report Number(s):
CONF-9007107-1; ON: DE90011650
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English